About
We are a rural, multi-generational Southern Baptist church where faith, family, and community come together. Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or are new to the area, you’ll find a place to belong and people who care. We invite you to be part of our church family. Come worship with us, connect with others, and grow in your walk with Christ.
Our Beliefs
We are a Christian church committed to following Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. We believe Jesus is the Son of God who came to earth, lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again to offer salvation to all who believe. Mingo has had a long and productive relationship with 3 baptist groups; New South River Baptist Association, Baptist State Convention of North Carolina and the Southern Baptist Convention. Our core beliefs are best described in the Baptist Faith and Message Document of 2000.
Our Pastor
Pastor Mattocks is a native of Clinton and Sampson County. He is married to the former Cecilia Lindly and has been married for 46 years. EC & Cecilia have 2 adult children, Reed and Paige and 2 grandchildren Tyler and Grace.
Pastor EC has over 45 years of pastoral experience, serving a variety of churches in Georgia and North Carolina. Mingo Baptist Church is his 8th pastorate and it is his desire that Mingo be the church he serves until he reaches retirement.
Our Pastor Emeritus
Rev. Louis Strickland served as pastor of Mingo Baptist Church for thirty years from December 1991 until January 2022. A native of Rocky Mount, NC, Rev. Strickland received his education at East Carolina University and Southeastern Theological Seminary. Prior to entering the ministry, he served as County Planning Director of Edgecombe County, NC. Ordained by the North Rocky Mount Baptist Church, he served as Minister of Education and Activities at Memorial Baptist Church, Williamston, NC.
During Rev. Strickland’s tenure, the church experienced growth in the pre-school, children, and youth ministries. The Mingo Spanish Mission was begun, and the church presented the Easter Drama “He Gave Us the Victory” four times. Several building projects were completed including the renovation of the basement area in 1998 and the completion of a new facility with adult classrooms, a new fellowship hall, and a new kitchen in 2021
On Sunday, January 30th, the church named Rev. Strickland as Pastor emeritus upon his retirement. He currently resides in Dunn with his wife, Cheryl Clack Strickland
History of Mingo Baptist Church
Mingo Baptist Church was founded from the vision of a few individuals who met at the Old Mingo Academy across the road from the existing church property on May 24, 1913. Assisting in the founding were Rev. Thomas J. Hood, Rev. W. M Bland and Autry Baggett. The service was opened by reading the 23rd Psalm. Thirty-seven charter members formed the new church with Rev: Thomas J Hood being elected as the founding pastor. Rev. Hood wrote of the church founding to the Biblical Recorder, “The prospects are bright. The church will be self-sustaining from the start. We have the best people in the community with us and expect to build at an early date”
Property was acquired across the road from the old academy. A modest wooden building was erected at the present site and was completed in 1914 consisting of five rooms. In 1924, the church cemetery was established. Two additional rooms were added to the structure in 1929. In 1945, a study was made to examine the need for better facilities, The church voted on November 9,1947 to erect a new brick church. Construction began in 1950 with the church being completed with a service being held on Thanksgiving Day of 1952. The pastor at the time, Rev. I.K Stafford spoke about the fund-raising results. “Mingo Church entered its new building on Thanksgiving Day. It is equipped with new furniture. It was harvest day and results were gratifying.”
In 1957, the church voted to call a full-time pastor with Rev Earl D. Farthing serving in that capacity. In 1958, the church voted to construct a parsonage adjacent to the church, with dedication service being held in 1959. Rev. Ellis Lanier was the first pastor to occupy the parsonage. A new addition to the rear of the existing building consisting of a fellowship hall, kitchen, additional classroom, choir room, and pastor’s study was completed and dedicated on October 17, 1982. The basement section under the sanctuary was renovated and completely reconstructed as an educational resource center in 1998 consisting of children, preschool and youth classrooms as well as a church library.
In 2016, a study committee was appointed to examine the building needs for the next forty years. From this study came the proposal for a new addition to the side of existing church. Additional property was obtained from Gail and Bobby Lewis. The new addition would include a larger fellowship hall, a larger kitchen, and four adult classrooms. The church voted to enter into contract with Brandon Lee Construction company to build the facility. A dedication for this new facility was held on Sunday September 26, 2021.
Rev. Louis Strickland pastor for 30 years retired on January 31, 2022. Rev. E. C, Mattocks succeed him as pastor. Mingo has always served as a beacon of the community. It has held to the vision of the early founders by being a church that is mission-minded, a church that teaches the Bible, and loves the Lord. As with the reading of the 23rd Psalm, the Lord is still our shepherd and will be until He comes again.